In the infant stage of planning a Wabakimi trip for '26. Planning on 2 weeks maybe 3. My question is this, should I plan on using my own Kevlar canoe (SR Q16) or should I be looking at using something a bit tougher (royalex or aluminum). Is swift water and rapids a concern? Just trying to see if my Q16 is the right canoe for the trip.

Thank you my friends........

Definitely depends on the route you choose. Also are you going to portage or run rapids. If you choose the Allanwater I’d suggest something stronger. Royalex, tufstuff, and IXP canoes are heavier though. People do take Kevlar canoes on the Allanwater River though. Same with the Kopka. Having a canoe you don’t have to baby and worry so much about though is a really nice option on these routes.

Plenty of options exist for flat water routes in Wabakimi. Rapids and falls generally all have portages. The portages though where people will normally run the whitewater Class 1’s, and class 2’s are not going to be as well established or cleared. When you pick the route you’ll have a better idea of whether Kevlar is fine or not.

Ryan

I agree with G53. There are some routes that really should have a heftier boat. I have been to Wab 4 times and always used a kevlar canoe. But I am a flat water paddler. I would likely die a horrible death if I tried any significant whitewater.

jcavenagh: "I agree with G53. There are some routes that really should have a heftier boat. I have been to Wab 4 times and always used a kevlar canoe. But I am a flat water paddler. I would likely die a horrible death if I tried any significant whitewater."

I’m a flat water paddler, no interest in running anything but small swifts.

Gunny0369: "

jcavenagh: "I agree with G53. There are some routes that really should have a heftier boat. I have been to Wab 4 times and always used a kevlar canoe. But I am a flat water paddler. I would likely die a horrible death if I tried any significant whitewater."

I’m a flat water paddler, no interest in running anything but small swifts. "

Gunny, since you are a flat water paddler, go with a Kevlar boat. I did 23 wks of trips with the Wabakimi Project using Uncle Phil’s very well used Kevlar SR canoes and they worked well. We generally portaged any swift water on those trips. On a number of private river trips we used Royalex or T-formex boats. On a Kopka Rv trip we used a Royalex Wenonah which still took quite a beating in the rapids but held up well. And keep in mind that water levels will have a big effect on how rough the trip will be on your boat.

I can only agree with what Gaidin53, jcavenagh, and deerfoot have said.

If you don't plan to do any whitewater paddling, a Kevlar canoe is a good choice. I personally like the Quetico 16, and it will serve its purpose on a trip in Wabakimi.

Have fun on your trip!